Message from the APS President-Elect/Program Chair

The APS annual meeting is where plant pathologists come face-to-face to share their science, give themselves a much deserved break from daily life, and brainstorm and network with colleagues. Throughout the years, although my motives for attending shift focus, the meeting has continued to always exceed my expectations and remind me of its value.

When I first became involved with APS, it was because it was “the thing to do.” My advisor and fellow students were active in APS, so naturally I joined as well and attended my first APS Annual Meeting.

After that meeting, I started attending for my own reasons. The meeting became more about networking and accessing those senior to me who were doing the incredible science that I always read about. Later, as my career progressed, meetings became a place where I could collaborate and brainstorm with colleagues and stretch my thinking. The meetings also became critical places to help my students and post-docs establish and nurture their professional lives. Over the years, I got more involved with the governance aspect of APS through my participation on numerous committees and working groups. In 2012, I will attend for all of the above reasons, plus the desire to help ensure that APS—through my role on APS Council—is as relevant today as it was when I attended my first meeting 25 years ago.

The world faces incredible challenges in the 21st century. Plant pathologists and the integrated teams with whom we work are well positioned to help make the world a better place. In order to actualize this, we must leverage, we must partner, and we must communicate. This is what our time together at the annual meeting in Providence will be about: Communicating Science.

This is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss!I look forward to seeing you in Providence.

Mike Boehm Program Chair, APS Annual Meeting

"This is what our time together at the annual meeting in Providence will be about: Communicating Science"